A short film about a fat girl, who is afraid to show up in her class reunion after being bullied by her former classmates due to her physical appearance, will compete in the annual International Youth Media Festival YOUKI in Wels, Austria from November 20 to 24.
Fat You, written and directed by Far Eastern University (FEU) senior Communication student and FEU Film Society treasurer Ronnel “Thirdy” Rivera III, is among the short films officially selected from about 500 entries to “Austria’s biggest up-and-coming media festival with an international focus.”
The film, which bagged first prize in the 19-21 age group category of the Manila Student Film Festival, stars Marry Grace Yagi, Lexcel Quina, Robby Delgado, Ron Christian Alos of FEU Theater Guild and FEU courtside reporter Sydney Allison Crespo, among others.
Rivera shot the film with the help of director of photography/editor Pj Muñoz, production manager Jamilla Chua, production designer Winter Delos Reyes, assistant director Diana Manguiat, associate producer Neo Torres and location manager Roselene Ariola.
YOUKI, which “offers an important platform for showcasing young Austrian and international filmmakers,” was first held in 1999 as part of the KINOVA film festival. Previously called Young KINOVA, it screens outstanding films from directors aged 10 to 26.
A panel of judges awards prizes in three different age categories (10–14/15–20/21–26). The winners for the three groups will get cash prizes of 700, 1,100 and 1,500 euros, respectively.
In addition, the jury will also select the winner of an “Innovative Film Award,” which focuses more on theme, content and current media developments rather than cinematic perfection, to receive 800 euros in cash.
